Look at more than the school exit results.

When one of my clients is looking at their dream schools for their beloved children, they naturally look at the exit results at 11+. This is normal of course. They want the best of the best for their children. They want them to go to the best school possible for them. They want them to have the highest quality of education for them. So it makes sense to look at the exit results.

I encourage you to look at far more than just the school’s exit results.

I spoke to one parent last week who told me that she wanted a top Independent girls school for her daughter because ‘their exit results are just incredible.’

Sure, but have you been to see the school?

No, she hadn’t.

 Did she know the school’s core values?

No, she didn’t.

Could she imagine her daughter going there every single day?

She couldn’t answer this.

Before looking at the exit results, go and actually view the school. Do you even actually like the school? Do you see your child going there every single day? Do you like their core values? Do you like their curriculum programmes? I think that is far more important than their exit results.

Exit results are great but do keep in mind that behind every great exit result, is a great tutor who has supported the child (together with the school!) to pass and be offered a place.

Parents think that schools have some sort of magical connection with the destination schools. And perhaps some of it is political – perhaps. But most importantly, you must know and understand that if your child doesn’t achieve the percentage needed to actually pass the entrance exam, they will 100% not pass the Assessment regardless of the school you send them to.